Social Planning Cowichan has released the living wage for this part of the world, and it amounts to $17.55 an hour.

The organization calculated the wage based on what a family consisting of two parents and two children would need to adequately cover their monthly expenses without taking on debt, working multiple jobs or relying on assistance while living in the local region.

It takes into account the cost of housing, food, clothing, transportation, childcare, and health care.

This year’s rate has gone up 50 cents from the rate calculated last year.